I was an associate pastor in New York City in the early 1980s, and one of the other pastors had been a member of the motorcycle gang called the Pagans. They are a large and notorious gang that has a record of violence and drugs. This man, named Tom, began to date a backslidden Christian and led her into a sinful lifestyle. The girlfriends mother was a strong believer, and God had burdened her heart not only for her daughter, but for this man Tom. One day, led by the Spirit, this little woman marched right into the Pagans clubhouse and asked for Tom. When someone pointed him out, the lady walked right up to him and said,

Tom, you are dating my daughter. I want you to know that Jesus loves you and so do I, and I am going to pray that you meet Jesus.

As she walked out of the clubhouse all the bikers were astounded at her boldness. Three months later Tom was saved, left the gang at great risk, and entered Bible College to become a preacher. This little woman could have castigated these men, and she could have looked for and found news clippings about their sinful ways and recent arrests. But instead, she walked in redemption rather than moral outrage; she walked in Jesus rather than the accuser.

And a true fundamentalist should be known for an active life of redemption and the ministry of reconciliation. The doctrines about which we will not compromise must include more than just a list of five or six "cardinal" doctrines. We must be militant about our love; nonnegotiable about our grace; and fierce about our forgiveness.

It's time we are known for our fundamental and unwavering expression of the life and character of the Lord Jesus.

Disclaimer:
Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual
posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its
management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the
exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.